Sydney pulled back, embarrassed that she'd allowed herself to fall apart like that. Especially in front of her father. She used her sleeve to dry her eyes. "Sorry."
Jack sat back. He could already feel her pulling away from her, and he hated it. "Sydney."
She looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears once again. She stood up and walked over to the VCR. Ejecting the tape, she held it in her hands. And then she threw it violently across the room as she dropped to the floor, sobs wracking her body once again.
Jack was beside her in an instant. He cradled her in his arms, rocking her back and forth slowly. "Sydney, it's okay."
She pulled back, anger quickly replacing sorrow. "How can you say that?" She pointed to where the tape had landed, surprised to see it still in one piece. "That," she said venomously, pointing again at the tape, "is as far from okay as anyone can get!"
Jack stood back up, walked over and retrieved the tape. "You're right, Sydney. This," he held out his hand which held the tape, "is not okay. You watched your mother commit cold-blooded murder on this tape. Vaughn watched his father's murderer kill his best friend's girlfriend. I had to watch you watch your mother commit this heinous act."
He dropped the tape on the bed and went back to where Sydney was standing. "What I meant was that I'm here for you." He saw she was about to disagree with him, so he quickly continued. "I know I haven't been there in the past. God knows I haven't been there, but I am here now. And whether you allow yourself to believe it or not is your choice, but Sydney, you can trust me."
Sydney just nodded and looked away. "I believe you. I do. And I know you love me..."
"But," Jack supplied.
"But, if anything happens to Will, I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive you," she concluded, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Jack felt as if he'd just had his heart ripped out of his chest. He walked over to the bed and picked up the tape. When he turned back to face his daughter, the mask was back in place. "I think I should probably leave."
"Dad..."
"No, Sydney. I understand what you've said." He walked to the door. "You were also right about something."
"What's that?" she asked as he opened the door.
"I do love you," Jack answered as he closed the door behind him.
********
Jack walked slowly to the elevator. Pressing the "UP" button, he waited, listening as the elevator came to life. As he waited, he thought about everything that had happened, and everything that could still happen. Most of all he thought of her.
If he had it to do over again, he would still marry her. The thought surprised him, yet deep down he knew it was true. Before he knew the truth about her, he had lived the happiest years of his life. It was the ideal life, he readily admitted to himself—the young couple so in love with each other, even after so many years of marriage. The adorable daughter with an intuition wise beyond her years, often shocking her parents' friends with her intelligent comments.
In the end, it was a sham—the love he felt for his wife was apparently not reciprocated. The thing that killed him the most was the thought that Laura did not truly love Sydney. Someday, he hoped he could work through the pain that his wife never loved him . . . but Sydney? How could anyone, especially her own mother, not love her?
At least we didn't have any more . . . oh God. No. No, no, no. Jack's heart lurched from its resting place as a long-forgotten memory came out of hiding.
"Honey, it's okay. Why don't you pass out the candy and I'll take Sydney trick-or-treating?" he suggested.
Laura frowned. "But we always go as a family," she argued.
"Look, we won't be gone very long anyway, and there's lots of candy still waiting to be passed out," Jack told her. He smiled. "Think of it this way—the more candy you pass out now, the less Sydney's going to be eating tomorrow."
This elicited a small smile from Laura. "That's my girl," he encouraged.
She sighed. "Okay. But just this year," she said. "I don't know why my body had to pick today of all days to get sick."
He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss into her dark hair. "Just focus on feeling better, okay? Forget about the candy. Go upstairs and lay down." He held her tightly to his chest, marveling once again at how right she felt in his arms. "You've been so busy with returning to work this year—"
"But we agreed that with Syd in school it was the right time for me to return to the university," she protested, tilting her head back so she could look at him.
"I know, sweetie. I'm just worried that you're trying to do too much. If I ever lost you," he swallowed hard. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he whispered.
"Jack, it's a virus, that's it. Don't start planning my funeral yet!" she swatted his arm. "I'm not going anywhere, trust me."
"I believe you," he said as he leaned down and kissed her. Things were starting to get out of hand when they were interrupted by a vision in pink.
"Mommy, Daddy, I'm here!" Sydney announced, wrinkling her nose. "Stop the yucky stuff!" she ordered.
Jack and Laura pulled apart as they looked down at their daughter. "Hey, my princess is a princess!" Jack said as he ruffled her hair.
"Daddy! Don't mess up my hair!" Sydney commanded.
Laura looked at Jack and winked. "Feel free to mess up my hair anytime. Maybe we can add a prince to the royal family," she said mischievously as she walked away.
He looked longingly at her retreating form before returning his attention to his daughter. "Well, Princess, are we ready to go?"
"Yes!" Sydney screamed as she jumped up into his arms.
"Say good-bye to your mommy," he prompted as he opened the front door.
"'Bye, Mommy!" she called. "I love you!"
"'Bye, Sydney! Have fun with Daddy!" Laura called back.
"See you later, Laura!" Jack yelled down the hallway, then closed the front door behind him.
"All right, Princess, do we want to go to the left or the right?" he asked once they were to the end of their driveway.
"Left," she said decisively, leading the way.
Jack followed his daughter as she bounded up the stairs to the first house, still thinking about Laura's comment. Maybe by next year there would be an addition to the royal family . . . .
The doors opened, pulling him back to the present. He glanced back down the hall, half-expecting to see Sydney peering out her door. When he didn't, he stepped into the car.
He looked over the panel, knowing he should press "6", but found himself pressing the button for the ground floor. He needed a drink.
********
Sydney went out into the hall, closing the door quietly behind her. Walking the few short feet to Vaughn's room, she tentatively knocked on the door.
Getting no response, she waited a minute before trying again. "Vaughn?" she called out softly.
She thought she heard someone moving around inside. "Vaughn," she called again.
********
Vaughn stood on the opposite side of the door, his hand gripping the door knob. Leaning against the door, he heard Sydney call him a second time, but he just couldn't bring himself to open the door. He listened to her sigh and then she quietly began talking.
"Vaughn, I have a feeling you can hear me. I understand if you don't want to see me right now. I don't blame you. Believe me, I don't really want to see me right now either."
She took a breath and continued. "I know that you don't blame me for what happened to your dad. I know that because you told me and I believe you. But you see, that's just it. You are the only one I know I can trust in my mixed-up excuse for a life. The only one who I can believe. And I'm just afraid that after what happened tonight..."
He heard her take another deep breath. "Well, I'm just afraid that... Oh damn..." He listened as she began sniffling. "I'm sorry. I'm standing out here like a blithering idiot and you're probably in bed asleep."
He waited. He was about to walk away from the door when he heard her softly crying. "I just want you to know that I meant what I said on the phone the other day."
Vaughn was completely and utterly in shock. When he recovered enough to move, he quickly opened the door and found no one there. Reaching back inside, he grabbed his card key and let the door shut behind him. He'd almost lost her too many times in the last couple of days.
He wasn't about to lose her now.
********
"Where are we going?" Will asked as Sydney slammed her door shut.
"Listen, Will, you've got to trust me, okay?" She stopped, searching his eyes for a minute.
"Syd, you know I trust you," he said sincerely.
Irina smiled as they began walking. "Good. We have to leave London—there are some dangerous men chasing us," she began. "There's a plane waiting to take you home, Will. I'm going to take a different plane so that I can stop these men before they hurt more people."
"Sydney to the rescue," he said, pumping his fists in the air.
She grimaced. "Something like that." She quickened her pace as Heathrow loomed before them. "Come on. We've got planes to catch."
Twenty minutes later they were being escorted to the private jets.
"Wow," Will said. "You seem to know everyone."
Not everyone. Just enough people in the right places to help me out, Irina thought to herself.
"Will, my friend here is going to help you get settled on this jet," she said as she faced him. "It's a flight back to L.A."
"Home?" he squeaked. "Really?"
"I promise, you're safe now. Nothing bad will happen to you," she vowed. And this time, I hope I'm right.
"I wish you could come with me," he said wistfully.
"I'll be home soon. Don't worry about me." She gave him a tight smile. With any luck Sydney will be on this jet too, heading home.
She handed him a small bottle. "A sleeping pill," she said. "I promise, that's all it is. Just to help you rest on your long flight. Promise me you will take this as soon as you get on the jet, okay?"
Will looked into Sydney's eyes. Funny—for a second it didn't look like Sydney. Geez, I guess I do need sleep. "I promise." He closed the distance between them and hugged her tightly. "I'll see you in L.A.," he said, then walked up the steps of the jet.
Irina allowed herself one last look before she resumed her walk. There it is, she thought to herself as she spotted a certain CIA-issue jet. She chuckled to herself, picturing the look on his face when he realized who had managed to sneak onto the plane.
The live entertainment on board this flight should far surpass any in-flight movie, she thought as she climbed the stairs.
********
Weiss knocked on Jack's door at 12:20 p.m. He hadn't intended on sleeping as late as he had, so when Jack had called at 11:30, he felt like a kid who'd overslept on the first day of school.
The door opened quickly and Weiss slipped quietly inside the room. He watched as Jack paced impatiently while they waited for Sydney and Vaughn.
Glancing over at the dresser, Weiss noticed the light flashing on the secure cell phone. Looking at Jack, he asked, "How long has that been flashing?"
"What?"
"The phone."
Jack looked over and saw the red light blinking at him. Picking up the phone, he retrieved the message and listened.
"Jack, it's Devlin. I need you to call me immediately. The four of you need to leave London now. I think I know who our mole is, and if I'm right, we need all of you a little closer to home. I'm going to try you again in a few hours, 12:30 your time. But if you get this message before that—call me."
Jack ended the call and turned towards Weiss. "Nicholas? Pack your bags. Looks like we have to end our business trip early," he said.
Weiss stared at him, quickly understanding. "Be back in five," he said and left the room.
Jack glanced at his watch as the phone in his hand began to ring. Punctual as always. "Hello?"
"Jack, it's Davenport. Just wanted to give you the latest update."
"Good. I was about to return Devlin's call." Jack picked up his suitcase.
"Devlin's busy, so I'm calling for him—no need to disturb him," Davenport explained. "Jack, Khasinau is dead."
"WHAT?!?" Jack exclaimed.
"He's dead."
"How?"
"That's not important right now. What is important is that the four of you must leave London immediately. Zoe's funeral is in two days, and we have reason to believe Sloane is going to bring you back from your vacation early. Your plane is waiting for the two of you at Heathrow. Leave as soon as possible."
"What about Sydney and Vaughn?"
"A second plane is waiting for them at Heathrow as well. We're still tracking down Sark's whereabouts, but we need them in the air now for their own safety. By the time they're crossing the Atlantic we should know where Sark is."
"They can't just stay here until Sark is located?" Jack asked, frustrated.
"I don't think you understand what's going on right now. With Khasinau dead, every intelligence agency in the world is going to be swarming London—and they do not need to see Sydney and Vaughn undercover. They have to leave now."
"Fine. They'll be checked out of the hotel within the hour."
"Good."
********
Jack ended his call and immediately dialed Sydney's room.
"Hello?" a sleepy male voice said.
"Who is it?" Jack heard his daughter ask in the background.
"I would like to speak with Sydney," Jack said through gritted teeth. He would deal with Vaughn later, but right now, they didn't have time.
"Yes?"
"Sydney, we need to leave now."
"I don't understand."
"It's simple. You and Mr. Vaughn need to pack your bags now. A car will pick you up out front and take you to Heathrow. There is a plane waiting. Mr. Weiss and I will be leaving from Heathrow."
"Where are we going?" Sydney questioned.
"Davenport wasn't sure. He said that he would inform you pilot as soon as he knew your final destination."
"What about you and Weiss?"
"We're flying back to L.A."
"Has there been anything more about Will?"
"No. Sydney, you and Vaughn need to get packed and to the airport. I'll see you when you get back."
"Okay. 'Bye, Dad."
Jack disconnected the call and threw the few things he'd unpacked back in his bag. He was zipping it shut when there was a knock at the door.
He opened the door and found Weiss on the other side, bags in hand. Letting him back in the room, Jack returned to his suitcase. "Are you sure you've got everything?" he asked.
"I'm certain," Weiss answered. "We may have a problem though."
"What?"
"I tried calling Mike and didn't get an answer in his room."
Jack cringed. "Don't worry. I spoke with him. Both he and Sydney are aware of what is going on. They're packing as we speak."
Weiss sighed in relief. "That's good to know."
Jack pulled the suitcase off the bed and headed towards the door. "Let's go."
********
Sark leaned back in his seat as the doctor tended his leg. "I can't believe that bitch shot me."
"Well, just be glad it wasn't any higher," he replied dryly as he placed the last stitch in Sark's thigh.
"Believe me, I am."
The doctor prepared to place a medicated pad over the stitches. "Okay, this might sting a bit."
Sark nearly jumped out of his seat. "Bloody hell, man! What did you put on that?"
"Sit down and stop complaining. I don't need to lose my partner to a staph infection just because he thinks the antibiotic stings."
Sark sat back down. Looking around, he glanced back at the man bandaging his leg. "Do you hear something?"
The doctor remained quiet, listening. "No, I don't..." he started. And then he heard it. "I don't believe this."
"Go find him."
The doctor stood up walking towards the back of the plane listening as the hideous singing became louder. Opening the bathroom door, he found Will sitting next to the toilet, using the lid as a drum.
Will looked up when the door opened. "Hey, Doc! How ya doing?"
"Will, why don't you come with me. I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable up front."
"Cool," he replied. "Hey, thanks for calling me Will. Everyone has been calling me Mr. Tippin. I really hate that."
"It's no problem." The doctor led him to a seat. "Now why don't you just sit down there and make yourself comfortable."
"Sounds good. Hey, you don't mind if I take a nap do you? All this moving around has made me really tired. The pill Sydney gave is helping some too."
Pill? What the hell had Irina given him? the doctor wondered. "Go right ahead."
He watched as Will nodded off almost immediately. He turned back to Sark. "Aren't we the lucky ones?"
"That depends on how you define lucky."
"I don't understand."
"If he stays like that for the remainder of the flight, we're lucky."
"And if not?" the doctor asked.
Sark smiled evilly. "Then we gag him."
********
"Gentlemen, we're going to land in Boston to refuel," the pilot announced over the speakers. "We should be on the ground for thirty minutes."
"Finally," Jack muttered to himself. The flight from London had seemed endless as he spent his time worrying about Sydney and contemplating who the mole was.
The door to the plane had barely opened when Jack dialed a number on his cell phone.
"Ben? Jack."
"Jack, thank goodness. Are you in Boston?" The worry in Devlin's voice was evident.
"We just landed. Is there any word on Sark? Where did Sydney and Vaughn travel to?"
"Jack . . . are you sitting down?"
"No."
"Could you sit down?"
"What is it, Ben?"
"I know who the mole is. This is confidential—only tell Weiss."
"Fine. Who is it?"
"Davenport."
"Who?"
"Davenport," Devlin repeated.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. I double-checked all the information myself. It's him."
"How did you determine—"
"Jack, we've got a bigger problem."
"I seriously doubt it," Jack retorted.
"No one can find the flight plan for Sydney and Vaughn's flight out of Heathrow."
"No flight plan? We don't know where they are?"
"No, Jack, we don't. And there's one more thing."
Jack clutched the cell phone, suddenly realizing what Devlin was about to say.
"Davenport's missing. We think he went to meet Sark—wherever that is."
********
Vaughn sat back, wondering how much longer it would be before they actually got in the air. They'd already been on the ground for the better part of an hour. He was about to walk up to the cockpit when the one of the pilots came back.
"Sorry about the delay folks, but the mechanics found a problem with the landing gear. They should have it repaired within the hour."
Sydney looked up at him. "Thank you." She looked back over at Vaughn. "Why do you suppose Davenport chose Toronto?"
"I don't know, but I'll be very glad when we get back to L.A."
She nodded as she looked out the window. She could see the skyline just across the Bay. It was beautiful. If only she had time to enjoy it.
She turned away from the window. She hoped the new intel that they had was accurate. She just wanted Will back, in one piece, safe and sound.
The pilot returned to the cabin. "A couple of the mechanics are going to come in and check the hydraulic pressure gage to make sure it is functioning properly and then we should be able to get underway."
Vaughn got up from his seat and started walking around the cabin. If he didn't see the inside of a plane for the next 10 years, it would be too soon.
"Is it okay to come up Jim?" the mechanic asked.
"Yeah, come on."
Three men entered the plane. Vaughn watched as they walked into the cockpit. Turning back to Sydney, he was about to say something when one of the mechanics, the one with a slight limp, came back.
"Sorry for the delay, Mr. Vaughn. Ms. Bristow."
Sydney gripped the arms of her seat as Vaughn moved closer to her. "What are you doing here?"
Sark removed his cap, running a hand through his short blond hair. "Making sure this plane is mechanically sound. But you see, I don't think it is. I think you might have to spend the night here."
"What do you want?" Vaughn asked angrily.
"I don't want anything at this point Mr. Vaughn. But I do have something you want, Ms. Bristow, or may I call you Sydney."
"Go to hell," Sydney answered.
Sark cocked his head to the side. "Ms. Bristow it is then." He looked back towards the cockpit. "Would you please bring our friend back here?"
Vaughn moved closer to Sydney, grabbing her hand. She looked up at him briefly before glancing back at the men who were now walking towards them.
The men came to a halt beside Sark. Sydney looked from once face to the next. When her gaze landed on the third man, she couldn't believe her eyes. "Will?"
She waited until the older looking man had carefully placed Will in one of the seats before she rushed over to him. "Oh my God, Will?" She tapped his face lightly as the man moved beside her.
She looked up at him. "What have you done to him?"
Sark replied from behind them, "He's been having problems sleeping. So we gave him a pill to take care of that."
Tears started streaming down Sydney's face as she looked back at Will. Then she felt the man beside her pick up her hand. She looked up at him. "What are you doing?"
Vaughn tried to go to Sydney, but the gun Sark now had trained on him held him in place.
"I think this belongs to you," he answered, speaking for the first time. Sydney looked back at him and then down at her hand. What she saw there shocked her into silence.
Slowly she stood, backing away from him. "No... No... No..." She kept repeating it, shaking her head, continuing to back away from him until her back was against the side of the plane.
Vaughn started to move towards her only to be stopped by the sound of a gun being cocked. "Now, now, Mr. Vaughn. I don't want to have to shoot you, but if I have to, I will."
"It's ok," the other man told Sark. "Mr. Vaughn here just doesn't understand that I would never do anything to hurt Sydney."
Vaughn looked back over at Sydney, who was clutching her left hand. And then he saw it. How the hell did they get Sydney's engagement ring?
"Who are you?" Vaughn demanded.
"You know, I feel as if I know you so well, I keep forgetting we've never met. Allow me to introduce myself." He stepped forward, pulling a latex mask from his face. He stood directly in front of Vaughn, holding out his hand. "My name is Danny Hecht."
THE END . . . FOR NOW